The 30 Best Study-From-Home Essentials for Students in 2023
Writer
Editor & Writer
Writer
Editor & Writer
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The perfect study environment can make a big difference in college. In fact, choosing the right study environment is one of the best ways to study effectively at home.
But what's the best way to study from home? Too many college students stack their textbooks on their nightstands or try to write essays from the couch. Avoid the pitfalls of a messy workspace by creating an organized, functional, and stylish study space at home.
$ = Under $10 | $$ = $10-$25 | $$$ = $26-$50 | $$$$ = Over $50
1. Desk
Our Recommendation: JOISCOPE Home Office Computer Desk
Instead of taking over the couch or flopping on your bed to study, invest in a desk. A good home office desk can make a major difference in your focus and comfort. Our pick is a stylish and durable option that includes shelves and two color options.
2. Stand-Up Desk
Our Recommendation: FEZIBO Adjustable Standing Desk
You can sit or stand while working with this easily adjustable desk. An electronic motor adjusts the desk height from 28-46 inches with the touch of a button. You can program four different work heights to customize the desk to your ergonomic needs.
3. Laptop Desk
Our Recommendation: LapGear Home Office Pro Lap Desk
Work wherever you want with this convenient, portable lap desk. The desk accommodates laptops up to 15.6 inches and most tablets, with a dedicated phone slot and mouse pad. A padded wrist cushion provides ergonomic support. The design also ensures proper ventilation for your electronics.
4. Desk Chair
Our Recommendation: Amazon Basics Padded Office Chair
A good desk chair means less back pain. But expensive desk chairs can easily cost hundreds. Our pick is a padded office chair that prioritizes comfort and adjustability. Modify the seat angle and height to get the perfect match for your desk. The chair also comes with casters for mobility.
5. Seat Cushion
Our Recommendation: 5 Stars United Seat Cushion Pillow
Avoid or relieve lower back pain with this memory foam seat cushion. The cushion works with any chair, including car and plane seats. The pillow helps correct posture to avoid neck, shoulder, and upper back pain. The cushion also supports the lower back and reduces pressure on your tailbone.
6. Desk Lamp
Our Recommendation: Dott Arts LED Desk Lamp
Illuminate your workspace with this sleek LED desk lamp. The minimalist design saves space on your desk. The LED lamp provides three cool white light levels that are easily adjusted. Power your lamp with an AC power adapter or plug it into any USB port or portable battery pack.
7. Wired Headphones
Our Recommendation: Apple EarPods
Apple EarPods provide high-quality audio through a lightning connector, which works with devices operating on iOS 10 or later operating systems. A built-in remote makes it easy to adjust the volume, change your music, and end calls.
8. Wireless Headphones
Our Recommendation: Apple AirPods Pro
These earphones connect wirelessly to all your Apple devices. You can listen to your music, lectures, and audiobooks, and take calls while on the go. Choose from three tip sizes to customize the fit in your ear. AirPods offer noise cancellation and are resistant to water.
9. Wireless Keyboard and Mouse
Our Recommendation: Logitech MK345 Wireless Combo
Increase your productivity with a full-size keyboard and ergonomically contoured mouse. The keyboard includes a number pad and media keys. It also provides a palm rest and spill-resistant design. The mouse offers right-handed users comfort and smooth tracking. Both items connect wirelessly to your Windows or Chrome PC.
10. Mouse Pad
Our Recommendation: AmazonBasics Computer Mouse Pad
This gaming computer mouse pad provides a thick, nonslip base to keep it where you want it. The cloth surface promotes smooth and precise mouse tracking that is ideal for use by gamers and graphic designers. The pad measures about 12 inches by 10 inches.
11. Power Strip
Our Recommendation: GE Six-Outlet Surge Protector
A power strip with surge protection helps guard your valuable electronics against power surges. It also allows you to extend the use of your electrical outlets with up to six outlets. Seal outlets when not in use with an easy twist design.
12. Monitor
Our Recommendation: Acer SB220Q Full HD Monitor
Enjoy a crisp, high-definition display on this widescreen (21.5 inches) computer monitor. The monitor connects to your laptop or desktop computer through VGA or HDMI cables, and it has a stand that allows for tilt adjustment. The monitor boasts a super-thin design of 0.24 inches, as well as a 1920 by 1080 resolution.
13. Portable Monitor
Our Recommendation: KYY 15.6" 1080P Ultra-Slim Portable Monitor
If you're planning to move work spaces or you have a very small study space, a slim portable monitor is a major asset. You can connect the KYY portable monitor to a desktop or laptop, and it comes with 2 USB-C Ports plus Mini-HDMI ports. You can even hook a smartphone or tablet to the monitor to upgrade your study game.
14. Laptop Stand
Our Recommendation: Nulaxy Laptop Stand
Turn any surface into a laptop desk with this laptop stand. The stand provides a more ergonomic workspace by elevating your laptop six inches and tilting it forward. This positioning can reduce neck and back pain, and eye strain. It works with laptops that are between 10 and 15.6 inches.
15. Extension Cord
Our Recommendation: GE Three-Outlet Extension Cord
Get more power for your electronics with this 12-foot extension cord. The cord offers three outlets from one plug. The outlet covers twist closed when not in use for added safety. GE rates this product for indoor use in dry locations.
16. Coffee Maker
Our Recommendation: Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Coffee Maker
Have coffee ready for early morning classes or all-night study sessions. This coffee maker includes a filter basket for easy cleaning and a dual water window to prevent spills and overflows. The auto pause feature lets you fill your coffee cup without waiting for brewing to finish.
17. Mug Warmer
Our Recommendation: Misby Mug Warmer
Keep your coffee warm while you're working at your desk. This mug warmer works well with coffee, milk, and water, keeping beverages at 120 degrees Fahrenheit. The device works with most cups. An automatic switch turns the warmer on when you place a cup on it and turns it off when you take the cup away.
18. Blue-Light-Blocking Glasses
Our Recommendation: AOMASTE Blue-Light-Blocking Glasses
Most electronic devices emit a blue light that, over time, can make eyes feel dry or tired. Blue light can also disrupt the body's natural sleep patterns. These glasses block 90% of that light, protecting your vision, relieving eye fatigue, and allowing you to sleep better.
19. Planner
Our Recommendation: Artfan 2022-2023 Planner
Never miss an important assignment or event with this 2022-2023 weekly calendar. The calendar includes a monthly view page with a column to track ongoing projects. And its thick paper prevents ink from bleeding through.
20. Printer
Our Recommendation: HP DeskJet 2755e Wireless Color Printer
Tired of running to print a paper in the library at the last minute only to discover a line? Then grab an affordable color printer. Our pick will upgrade your graphs and presentations thanks to its sharp color, and the wireless option makes it easier to sync with multiple devices.
21. Wi-Fi Extender
Our Recommendation: Netgear Wi-Fi Range Extender EX2800
Quickly expand Wi-Fi coverage in your home with this Wi-Fi extender. The extender covers up to 1,200 square feet and supports up to 20 devices. Plug the extender into an outlet and press the WPS button to connect to your router. It supports wireless security protocols to keep your network safe.
22. Whiteboard
Our Recommendation: VIZ-PRO Magnetic Dry Erase Board
This magnetic whiteboard lets you track upcoming assignments and keep up with other notes. The hanging hardware allows you to choose a vertical or horizontal mounting position. The board includes a tray to keep dry erase markers handy.
23. Webcam
Our Recommendation: NexiGo N930AF Webcam
Easily stream video for your online classes or video calls with the NexiGo PC Webcam. This camera offers 1080p resolution and connects to your laptop with a USB 2.0 cable. You can have your camera up and running in under a minute. The webcam includes a built-in microphone and privacy cover.
24. External Hard Drive
Our Recommendation: Seagate Portable External Hard Drive
Organize your digital life with this one terabyte portable hard drive, which works with Mac and Windows computers without the need for extra software. It connects with the USB 3.0 cable included with your purchase.
25. Desk Pad
Our Recommendation: Aothia Leather Desk and Mouse Pad
Some might call a desk pad an optional upgrade, but when you're putting in long hours at a desk, it's essential. Our pick gives you a smooth surface that's sleek, waterproof, and durable. And you can also use it as a mouse pad.
26. Notebook
Our Recommendation: Five Star Five-Subject Spiral College Ruled Notebook
Keep your notes and work organized and accessible with this five-subject notebook. The 200 sheets feature ink-bleed resistance, and the notebook comes with a water-resistant front cover. Additionally, you can easily tear out assignments thanks to the perforated edges.
27. Water Bottle
Our Recommendation: Takeya Actives Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle
Proper hydration helps you concentrate and avoid headaches. This insulated stainless steel water bottle features a spout lid. The insulated design keeps hot and cold beverages at your desired temperature. Choose from more than 20 color options and various sizes.
28. Timer
Our Recommendation: Mooas Cube Timer
This digital timer offers five-, 15-, 30-, and 60-minute timers to help you effectively manage your time. The timer works well for studying, working out, and cooking. The minimalist design is easy to use. Simply place the side of the cube with the desired time facing out, and start the timer.
29. Foot Rest
Our Recommendation: Everlasting Comfort Office Foot Rest
This foot rest can relieve foot, leg, and hip pain caused by long periods of sitting. The ergonomic design improves posture while you are sitting and includes arch support. The memory foam cushion molds to your body, and the nonslip bottom keeps it securely in place. You can easily remove the cover for washing.
30. Desk Organizer
Our Recommendation: SimpleHouseware Mesh Desk Organizer
Keep your files, notebooks, and important papers organized and accessible with this desk organizer. The space-saving design includes a drawer, letter tray, and five upright compartments. The metal mesh construction coordinates with many decorating styles.
